Conrad woman featured in People magazine highlighting 107 lb. weight loss experience | News, Sports, Jobs

Ruth Peterson, Conrad resident and owner of online farm supply store PeteCo Supply, has launched People magazine’s annual series, “People Magazine,” which spotlights men and women across the United States who are experiencing dramatic weight loss. It was selected for the special feature of “Beyond the Scale”.

For Peterson, her journey began four years ago after receiving troubling news about her future after visiting a clinic.

“They told me I wouldn’t be able to walk by the time I was 60,” Peterson said. “I have degenerative bone disease in my back and had serious mobility issues at the time. I looked dark.”

She weighed 262 pounds. At the time, and with plans to retire by the time she was 59 and a half, her prognosis didn’t pan out for small business owners.

A feature story and photos in this week’s People magazine featuring Peterson from the outlet’s annual “Beyond the Scale” story series.

“I didn’t want to spend my retirement in an incredibly uncomfortable position in a wheelchair,” Peterson said. “I was determined to prove her wrong.”

From there, she took the first step towards transforming herself and changing her lifestyle. She started running and exercising daily.

“I went from basically being immobile to doing 5Ks and working out every day,” she said.

“Before this, I couldn’t even sweep the floor without throwing my back.”

She began to avidly track the food she ate, but seeing many people struggle to maintain their weight, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, put her in front of her. Cleared each hurdle.

“There were so many excuses to quit. The book had every excuse not to move forward,” Peterson said. “Weight loss is mostly mental. You have to be able to change your mindframe, your mindset. I have to.”

Yet, in addition to the physical benefits, Peterson says it was the moments and memories she experienced thanks to her more active, health-conscious lifestyle that changed her life the most.

“I can walk the trails through the mountains and see the world and experience nature,” Peterson said. If I hadn’t taken this initiative, I would never have had those experiences and memories, or even connect with my daughter on that level.

Her family has also been an active participant in her weight loss journey, as well as supporting her along the way.

“They are very supportive,” Peterson said of her family. and improved functionality.”

After being recognized by People, Peterson said the process of getting published in the magazine was surreal and “totally out-of-body experience.”

“It was an all-day event,” Peterson said, noting that the photo shoot alone required two boxes full of clothes to try on and a bevy of makeup, photography and director experts. It was amazing. It took me days to process what really happened.”

Peterson has shown that even though she’s kept some distance from the media whirlwind that her period in the national spotlight brought her, it can be difficult to get the spotlight at times.

“It’s really hard to come to grips with the fact that this is all happening for me,” Peterson said. It’s unique, how can you not get a little crazy?”

As for continuing to lose weight in the future, Peterson says it was always part of her plan to make this a permanent change in her lifestyle.

“I wanted to do this long-term. I’m already in my fourth year and it will take me almost two years to maintain the weight,” Peterson said. It’s more than that.This is my life.This is what I do every day.It’s completely changed my lifestyle.”

Peterson’s featured article can be found on the People magazine website. – Featured in the latest issue of his People magazine on Scale or Newsstand.

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Contact Nick Baur at 641-753-6611 or nbaur@timesrepublican.com.